In a blunt statement that stunned observers, U.S. President Donald Trump said his relationship with tech mogul Elon Musk is over: he has no plans to patch things up any time soon.
"I'm too busy doing other things," Trump told NBC News Saturday, when asked if he intends to speak with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO. When pressed on whether their tie is truly dead, he replied: "I would assume so, yeah."
Both men command millions of followers on social media, meaning their feud plays out before a global audience.
The spat ignited over Musk's criticism of the sweeping tax-and-spending package informally dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Musk has publicly voiced concerns that the plan could saddle the economy with unsustainable costs.
Trump, however, remains undaunted. "I'm very confident" the bill will sail through the Senate before the July 4 break, he said. But he reserved his sharpest warning for Musk: "There would be serious consequences" if the billionaire were to funnel money to U.S. Democrats running against Republicans who back the legislation.
Details of those potential consequences remain vague. Trump did not elaborate on what actions he might take, but the threat underscores the high stakes of this public spat between two of America's most influential figures.
For young global citizens tracking the intersection of tech and politics, the fallout offers a vivid reminder: today's partnerships can unravel in an instant, and the ripple effects can reshape policy debates and investor confidence alike.
As the Senate gears up for a vote, all eyes will be on whether Musk doubles down on his opposition or opts for a lower-profile role in U.S. politics. Either way, the once-friendly dialogue between two powerhouses appears to have hit a breaking point.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
